by: Lisa J. Lehr
This is my third in a series of articles on the happy health benefits of some of our favorite indulgences. Please read my related articles on coffee and tea, wine and beer.
When the Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes came home from Mexico in the early 1500s, he brought with him the sacred drink of the Aztecs. Made from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao, the drink was flavored with a blend of exotic ingredients, and although Cortes had come to like this concoction, the Spanish eventually added sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon for a sweeter drink more pleasing to European taste. The secret recipe was eventually leaked to Europe, and first appeared in London in the mid-1600s. By 1765 the American colonists were enjoying cocoa made from West Indian beans. Cocoa powder was developed by a Dutch chocolate maker, and his patented process for pressing cocoa butter from the roasted beans made possible the production of both instant cocoa and edible chocolate.
Theobroma means, appropriately, ?food of the gods.? Chocolate has low levels of caffeine; its main stimulant is theobromine, with a much milder effect. The darker the chocolate, the higher is the content of theobromine.
Cacao beans are extremely rich in flavonoids, the same antioxidant compounds found in wine and beer, coffee and tea. Chocolate contains calories and fat but contributes little to the total saturated fat in the average American diet. Eating dark chocolate in favor of milk chocolate helps in avoiding much of the fat.
Chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins, the natural opiates that are our pleasure chemicals; and phenylethylamine, a compound in chocolate, is thought to stimulate the same physical reaction as falling in love. The smell alone slows brain waves, inducing a sense of calm and enhancing verbal learning.
Chocolate contains a significant amount of magnesium and iron. One and a half ounces of chocolate have about the same amount of antioxidant phenolic compounds as a glass of red wine.
The fat in cocoa is stearic acid, a saturated fat comprising about 30% of the fat in a bar of chocolate. Some of the stearic acid in chocolate converts in the body to oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat similar to that found in olive oil, which is well known for its health benefits.
On the down side, in people prone to migraines, amine compounds in chocolate can trigger attacks, as sufferers have low levels of phenolsuphotransferase, an enzyme that processes them. Yet because cocoa reduces the blood platelet adhesion that can lead to headaches, it may conversely be beneficial.
The quality of the chocolate makes all the difference. The key to enjoying the health benefits of chocolate is to eat high quality dark chocolate with a 60 to 70% cocoa solid content. Normal dark chocolate has around 30%; ordinary chocolate has as little as 10 to 20% cocoa content, with a lot of sugar and hydrogenated vegetable fats. High-quality chocolate can be suitable for diabetics, as it does not create a blood sugar rush as high-sugar chocolate does.
There also may be a case for organic varieties, as the pesticide lindane, linked to breast cancer, has been found in chocolate. The chemical is in the process of being banned but is still used in developing countries. If the coffee plant is not organic, it is probably heavily sprayed, because chocolate is such a valuable crop.
And while you?re at it, go ahead and get chocolate with nuts. They?re a tremendous source of vitamin E, heart-healthy fats, and virtually no saturated fats.
So, go ahead and indulge.
About The Author
Lisa J. Lehr is a freelance writer with a specialty in business and marketing communications. She holds a biology degree and has worked in a variety of fields, including the pharmaceutical industry and teaching, and has a particular interest in health matters. She is also a graduate of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI), America?s leading course on copywriting. Contact Lisa J. Lehr Copywriting www.ljlcopywriting.com, Lisa@ljlcopywriting.com for help with your business writing needs. This article ©Lisa J. Lehr 2005.
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Best Cookies: PB & Jam Bars
Best Cookies: PB & Jam Bars
by: Donna Monday
Peanut butter and jam make great sandwiches, but these two winners make even better cookies. These cookies have a crispy texture with a yummy chocolate peanut butter topping. Best of all, they?re no bake cookies, so leave your oven off.
PB & Jam Bars
Bar
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- ? cup butter
- 4 ? cups crips rice cereal
Filling
2/3 cup strawberry, apricot, or peach jam
Topping
- ? cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons shortening
Directions
Melt marshmallows, 1 cup peanut butter and butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth (4 to 5 minutes). Add cereal; quickly stir until well coated. Press mixture into ungreased 11x7-inch pan.
Spoon jam by teaspoonfuls over hot cereal mixture;...
Best Cookies: PB & Jam Bars
Chocolate > Best Cookies: PB & Jam Bars
Healthy Chocolate?
Healthy Chocolate?
by: Gerald Meyer
It's great news that research found a food that lowers blood pressure and is healthy for the heart and maybe more. The problem is that the chocolate most Americans consume is not the same kind. The more popular kinds of chocolate have little or no positive effect on your health. Only certain chocolate may be healthy.
Dark chocolate is the chocolate that was found to have positive effects on blood pressure. Participants given dark, milk, or white chocolate every day were evaluated in different studies. It turns out that dark chocolate contains important antioxidants called phenols. These natural compounds from the cocoa bean are known to increase nitric oxide, reduce platelet aggregation, and inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cocoa can decrease blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and increase your insulin sensitivity. Milk and white chocolate are low in these antioxidants and do not have the same effect...
Healthy Chocolate?
Chocolate > Healthy Chocolate?
Qualifying vs. Closing the Sale
Qualifying vs. Closing the Sale
by: Teri Samuels
The Art of effective question asking (qualifying) determines the effectiveness and the success of the "close".
EXAMPLE: Let's assume you're a candy sales rep. You sell both chocolate and non-chocolate candy. I'm your potential customer. You know nothing about me but you're trying to sell me chocolate candy. You proceed to tell me how great the candy tastes, how exquisite the texture is, how incredible the quality of the chocolate is, and, by the way, how affordable this candy is because your company is doing a promotion on this outstanding chocolate candy. However, you don't sell me a single piece of chocolate candy.
WHY?
You assumed I liked chocolate candy and I would buy it based on the information you provided. But the most important thing you forgot to identify or ask me is "do you like chocolate candy?".
The answser is "no, I hate chocolate candy?". But since you never...
Qualifying vs. Closing the Sale
Chocolate > Qualifying vs. Closing the Sale
Best Recipes: Peppermint Cheesecake
Best Recipes: Peppermint Cheesecake
by: Donna Monday
This festive cheesecake is pretty in pink and perfect for Christmas or Valentine?s Day.
Crust
1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs
3 tablespoons margarine, melted
Filling
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
? cup cold water
2 (8-oz.) containers soft cream cheese
? cup sugar
? cup milk
? cup crushed peppermint candy
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
2 (1.45-oz). milk chocolate candy bars, finely chopped
Toppings
whipped cream
crushed peppermint candy
chocolate shavings
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine crumbs and margarine; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.
Soften gelatin in water; stir over low heat until dissolved. Combine cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well...
Best Recipes: Peppermint Cheesecake
Chocolate > Best Recipes: Peppermint Cheesecake
Selecting A Canopy
Selecting A Canopy
by: John Rivers
A canopy can add a touch of sophistication as well as provide shelter from the elements. A canopy should provide optimum shade and also be a stylish extension your living space. A canopy can help you create your very own outdoor room. There is a wide choice of colours, styles and models to choose from so that your canopy will be a perfect feature for your garden. Whether you want it to be an eye-catching feature or to blend...
Chocolate Is Good for Us? Yes! (Third in a series) incorporate Selecting A Canopy
Chocolate > Selecting A Canopy
Chocolate Is Good for Us? Yes! (Third in a series) Chocolate mortgages
Data On The Road With Your Cell Phone
Data On The Road With Your Cell Phone
by: Sam Michelson
Finally you're spending the weekend at your friend's cabin up at the lake. You managed to sneak your laptop up there because you know you'll need to check your e-mail at least once or twice while you're out of town.
If there happens to be Ethernet or Wifi available you'll be in luck - just plug in and you'll be ready to go! But what if you are in a secluded area? How should you get online?
Sometimes...
Data On The Road With Your Cell Phone Chocolate Is Good for Us? Yes! (Third in a series) Chocolate razr phone
Chocolate > Data On The Road With Your Cell Phone
Chocolate Is Good for Us? Yes! (Third in a series) Chocolate ringtones
Chocolate Is Good for Us? Yes! (Third in a series) mortgage Chocolate
gold ring Chocolate Is Good for Us? Yes! (Third in a series)